4000 Riders of Cristo Rey

Arrive in the Guanajuato region and transfer into the mountainous landscapes of the Sierra de Lobos, where the journey begins at a former Jesuit hacienda. After settling in, there is time to meet the horses and prepare for the days ahead.

The first evening offers a chance to settle into the rural surroundings and enjoy a traditional dinner before the pilgrimage begins. This is the start of a journey that will take you from the quiet mountain landscapes of Sierra de Lobos into the heart of one of Mexico’s most important equestrian traditions.

After breakfast, the horses are saddled and the pilgrimage begins from the community of El Torreón. Joining the Mexican riders of the El Torreón brotherhood, you set off through the semi-desert landscapes of Guanajuato under the direction of General Don Rubén Rostro.

The atmosphere changes as more riders join the procession along the route. The day is spent riding alongside Mexican cowboys and pilgrims, with the route leading through the traditional rural landscapes of the region before settling into camp for the evening.

The pilgrimage continues on horseback towards Cerro del Cubilete, with the procession growing as riders from across Mexico make their way towards the Cristo Rey monument. The route passes through open semi-desert landscapes and rural communities, with the distinctive sight of hundreds of riders travelling in the same direction.

After a full day in the saddle, the evening is spent sharing the atmosphere of the pilgrimage, with traditional food, music and the camaraderie that makes this event such a memorable part of Mexican culture.

Today marks the culmination of the horseback pilgrimage as the riders reach the foot of the Cristo Rey monument on Cerro del Cubilete. Rising almost 2,700 metres above sea level, the hill is considered the geographical centre of Mexico and has been the destination of this annual pilgrimage since 1956.

From horseback, thousands of riders gather beneath the 23-metre statue of Christ the King to commemorate the history of La Cristiada and the origins of the pilgrimage. After this remarkable cultural experience, the pilgrimage comes to an end and the next stage of the journey begins.

After saying goodbye to the pilgrimage riders, the journey continues with a smaller group for the next stage of the expedition. The route leads away from the crowds and into the rural landscapes of Guanajuato, following bridle paths through the countryside.

The day brings a different style of riding, with a more intimate trail experience through traditional villages and remote communities. After a full day on horseback, settle into a characterful rural accommodation and enjoy dinner surrounded by the landscapes of central Mexico.

Continue riding through the Guanajuato countryside, following old trails connected to the region’s history of independence and revolution. The route passes through rural communities and landscapes that offer a glimpse into a very different side of Mexico, far from the country’s better-known tourist routes.

Along the way, there is time to stop and enjoy local food and the hospitality of the communities encountered on the trail. The day ends in another rural setting, with the simplicity and character of the accommodation forming part of the experience.

Today’s ride explores more of Guanajuato’s fascinating history, with the route passing through landscapes shaped by centuries of mining and settlement. Old silver mines and abandoned settlements, including ghost towns, provide a fascinating backdrop to the day’s riding.

The terrain and scenery continue to change as the trail winds through the highlands. After returning from the day’s ride, enjoy a relaxed evening and another taste of traditional Mexican cuisine.

The final full day on horseback continues through the rural landscapes of Guanajuato, with more time to enjoy the trails, villages and open countryside that have shaped the journey. After several days riding together, the final stage offers a chance to reflect on the remarkable contrast between the huge pilgrimage and the quieter trail ride that follows.

The evening marks the end of the riding journey, with time to relax and celebrate the experience before travelling onwards to León.

After breakfast, travel onwards to León, where the expedition comes to an end. Known for its lively atmosphere and rich cultural heritage, the city provides a fitting finale to a journey that has travelled through some of the most traditional rural landscapes of central Mexico.

The journey ends with a traditional Mexican celebration, offering one final opportunity to enjoy the country’s food, music and hospitality before departing.